DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY

SCENE SHOP AND STAGE LIGHTING AND RIGGING

SAFETY HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

UNIVERSITY AND DEPARTMENT POLICY:

It is the policy of Louisiana Tech University to maintain a reasonable safe environment for its students, academic appointees, staff, and visitors. University operations shall be conducted in compliance with applicable regulations, and when appropriate, with accepted health and safety standards.

The Department of Theatre will provide all faculty, staff, student-employees, students, and volunteers, participating or enrolled in Department activities, training in safety and use of hand and power tools, equipment and accessories for lighting, rigging, audio, painting, and construction activities.

USE OF DEPARTMENT PRODUCTION FACILITIES

Rigging, construction, painting and strikes are not permitted in any shop area after midnight and before 6:00 A.M. Technical rehearsals will end at 11:30 to allow for all crews to be finished before midnight.

Lighting designers may program cues into lighting control consoles after midnight, however, under no circumstances may rigging or focusing take place.

Students may work in stage and shop areas performing construction, rigging, and painting activities between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and midnight as long as the technical director or another qualified supervisor is present.

Meal breaks of at least one hour in duration are required at 4 hour intervals during technical rehearsals

A technical supervisor must be present when lights are being rigged and struck.

The production manager, assistant technical director or a qualified member of the faculty or staff must be present when scenery is being built, rigged, moved, struck, or weights are being changed on the counterweight system.

The technical director or a qualified technical supervisor (as determined by the production manager) must be present for all technical rehearsals.

All staff and students operating power or hand tools must have completed a safety orientation administered by the designated shop supervisor.

All staff and students participating in a Theatre Department production (cast and crew) must be given a theatre safety orientation prior to the start of technical rehearsals. The technical director coordinates all safety training.

All staff and students are given a copy of the Department’s Scene Shop and Stage Lighting and Rigging Safety Hazards and Safe Working Practices List and must agree to comply with these regulations prior to any work in the Scene Shop or Stage areas

Any injury requiring first aid or other medical treatment must be reported to the production manager the next working day.

For any injury appropriate medical care must be given at once. Participants are urged not to second guess injuries. Medical assistance can be obtained at the Student Health Center or Lincoln General Hospital. Ambulance service can be obtained by dialing 4018 to reach Tech Police and request an ambulance. Students are expected to have adequate medical insurance. The Student Health Center is closed evenings and weekends, the very times when most Theatre Department rehearsals and performance activities occur. The Theatre Department has no financial responsibility for emergency or other medical care. Students are expected to make provisions for proper medical coverage through individual medical insurance plans.

For any first aid administered in the theatre, first aid kits are provided. All company members are reminded that at no time should individuals come in contact with another’s person’s blood or other bodily fluids. Each first aid kit is equipped with two pairs of rubber examination gloves and goggles. All spilled blood must be cleaned with a bleach solution. Bottles accompany each first aid kit for the purpose. Blood or bodily fluid contaminated waste must be disposed of in an appropriate manner. A waste bag is attached to each bleach bottle. USE EXTREME CAUTION.

Participants are urged to THINK SAFETY at all times. Failure to follow the safety rules could result in serious injury or death. Do not take chances. If in doubt, ASK. If a procedure or situation in the shop or theatre seems dangerous, ASK. Report all unsafe conditions to your supervisor. Safety suggestion forms are available in the scene shop office file cabinet.

Smoking is prohibited in the Theatre Building.

The Scene Studio, Costume Studio, theatres, control rooms and other related areas are working laboratories of the Department. Conditions that require protective equipment can be present at any time and in any one of these various laboratories. Do not use any of the shops or stage areas as an access into or through the building unless it is an emergency. There is a loading zone at the Scene Shop door. Please check with the shop staff if you need to access this area through the shop and every effort will be made for safe access.

Food and drink are prohibited in the theatres, shops, and control rooms.

AIR QUALITY, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

AIR QUALITY IN THE SHOP AND STAGE AREA CAN VARY DEPENDING ON SEVERAL CONDITIONS. THESE CONDITIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: DUST FROM POWER TOOLS, MISTS FROM WATER BASED LATEX AND ACRYLIC PAINTS, SMOKE FROM WELDING OPERATIONS, CHEMICAL AND CO2 BASED FOGS FROM FOG MACHINES.

When wood dust is present in the air from operating machinery, wear a particle mask and goggles. They are available in the shop office. Use the vacuum system on the table saw and radial arm saw to minimize airborne dust.

Latex and acrylic paints are water based paint and are non-toxic. When these paints are sprayed a fine mist is present in the air. Wear and particle mask and goggles when you are spraying or are in an area where spraying is taking place.

Welding is done in the basement. Welding can emit toxic fumes and is to be done in or near the hood. When welding stay out of the smoke stream and wear a respirator when welding metals known to have toxic substance such as lead, cadmium, zinc, etc. Stay out of the welding area when it is in use.

Chemical based theatrical fogs are not harmful in normal concentrations. Do not exceed limits of concentration on the M.S.D.S.

CO2 fog can be dangerous if breathed. It doesn’t contain enough oxygen to support breathing. CO2 fog lies on the ground and seeks low areas. Do not lie down in the fog. Avoid breathing the fog.

AUDIO/VISUAL EQUIPMENT, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

WITH THE USE OF AUDIO/VISUAL EQUIPMENT IN THE THEATRE THERE COMES THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, BURNS AND PHYSICAL INJURY FOR COMING IN CONTACT WITH HOT METAL, GLASS, ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS AND CABLES, BOTH HANGING AND ON THE FLOOR. DO NOT USE OR HANDLE ANY AUDIO/VISUAL EQUIPMENT WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING AND AUTHORIZATION.

The rigging audio/visual equipment is to be done only under staff supervision.

All electrical, flood, hand tool, ladder, lift, lighting, low light level, noise level, obstruction, orchestra pit, overhead work area and rigging rules apply while you are working with audio/visual equipment.

All electrical repair work is only to be performed by trained and qualified staff employees.

All audio/visual cables in working and walking areas are to be properly dressed and taped down.

Replace unused equipment in appropriate cabinets and rooms designated for audio/visual equipment.

Clean up electrical equipment and accessories from stage and sound room.

Store equipment in appropriate cabinets and rooms designated for audio/visual equipment.

Report any damaged equipment to your supervisor, tag, and place in the upstairs sound room.

Report any hazards to your supervisor.

Safety cables are required on all hanging audio/visual equipment.

CHEMICALS, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

MANY SOLVENTS, ADHESIVE, ENAMEL SPRAY PAINTS, AND STYROFOAM ARE USED IN THE SCENE SHOP AND STAGE AREAS. MANY OF THESE CHEMICALS PRODUCE TOXIC FUMES AND GASSES AND ARE EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. CONSULT THE M.S.D.S. FOR PROPER HANDLING AND HAZARDS OF EACH SPECIFIC CHEMICAL.

Know what you are working with. Read M.S.D.S. on chemical before using it.

Wear protective clothing and equipment for the job.

Prevent ingestion of chemicals. Wash your hands, do not eat, drink, or smoke around chemicals.

Keep your workplace clean.

Solvents such as paint thinner, lacquer thinner, alcohol, and acetone must be used under the exhaust hood with a respirator, protective gloves and eye protection.

Spray paints must be used either outdoors or under the exhaust hood. See shop supervisor for disposal of empty spray cans.

A particle mask is required when spraying latex and acrylic paints.

Protective gloves must be worn when handling chemicals.

Eye protection must be worn when handling chemicals.

Smoking or open flame is not permitted when working with chemicals.

In case of a chemical spill, notify the shop supervisor.

Waste chemicals must be disposed of properly. See the shop supervisor.

Material safety data sheets are on file in the scene shop office for all chemicals in use.

Flammable chemicals are to be stored in safety cans and inflammable storage cabinet.

Activities with chemicals that require a respirator are to be performed only by qualified employees who have been trained, tested, fitted and certified to use a respirator by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at Louisiana Tech University.

CHERRY PICKER, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

THE CHERRY PICKER IS A PORTABLE EXTENSION LADDER WITH A BASKET ON THE TOP. IT CAN BE DANGEROUS AND SUBJECT TO TILTING IF NOT HANDLED PROPERLY.

Students are not required to use the cherry picker.

Never move the unit with a person in the basket or on the ladder.

Always adjust and lock the outriggers and casters before climbing the ladder.

Never adjust the legs, outriggers, or ladder with at person or material in the basket or on the ladder.

Do not attempt to adjust the legs or work on an uneven surface without the supervision of the shop supervisor.

Do not use the unit if it appears damaged or is missing part.

Do not exceed the 250 pound load limit. This includes one person and all equipment carried in the basket.

Do not use the unit near live electrical wires or moving machinery.

Never stand, climb, or sit on the basket railings.

When tilting the ladder up or down, make sure that the basket is in its lowest position and that your hands are on the green rung of the ladder. The telescoping portion of the ladder may move when tilting and hands must be kept clear.

When the ladder must be lifted to or from an elevated platform, a shop supervisor must be present.

Never attempt to use the unit without someone else present in the area.

Never apply a side load to the unit.

Always face the ladder when ascending and descending.

Do not carry tools up the ladder, use a bucket and/or rope to raise and lower tools.

Notify shop supervisor of any hazardous conditions promptly.

ELECTRICITY, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS

ELECTRICITY IS PRESENT EVERYWHERE IN THE SHOP AND STAGE AREAS. THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK IS PRESENT AT ALL TIMES DUE TO THE CONSTANT CHANGES IN WORK AREAS, LIGHTING POSITIONS, AND HEAVY USE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND ACCESS ARIES.

All electrical repair work is only to be performed by trained and qualified staff employees.

Electrical rigging is only to be performed by trained lighting crew members and under staff supervision.

Only properly grounded tools, cords, and equipment may be used.

Never run extension cords through doorways, windows, or holes in walls.

Check all equipment and cords for damage before use.

Remove damaged equipment from use and notify your supervisor.

Be alert for extension cords on the floor and in work areas.

Do not overload extension cords. Use one power tool per cord.

Be aware of overhead and floor mounted lighting fixtures and power cables in stage areas.

All shop, stage, ladder, lift and rigging rules apply to electrical safety.

Gloves should be worn when focusing lighting equipment or changing lamps.

Safety lines should be attached to wrenches and tools when working overhead.

hats must be worn when people are working overheard and when battens are being rigged at the deck level. Metal hard hats are prohibited when working on or around electricity.

Exposed asbestos wires are not allowed in any of out theatres.

Rings, jewelry, watches, etc. should not be worn when working with lighting equipment.

Theatre circuits are rated at 20 amps. Do not overload.

Only 12-3 wire and cable may be used in lighting installations.

Use the shortest extension cable possible.

Never coil or wrap cable around pipes, raceways, or drop boxes.

Do not use fiberglass sheathed “two-fers” in floor positions.

Coil drop box multi-cables on the grid deck. Do not lay them on top of any of the counterweight system rigging hardware (ie, loft blocks or steel aircraft cable).

All lighting equipment must have a safety cable. Attach first, disconnect last.

Snoots and barn-doors must be attached too the lighting equipment’s safety cable.

Use paper gel frames whenever possible.

Completely dry your hands before touching electrical switches, plugs, or receptacles.

Notify your supervisor of any hazardous electrical condition.

FLOORS, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

FLOORS IN THE SHOP AND STAGE ARE OFTEN COVERED WITH MANY HAZARDS AND OBSTRUCTIONS DUE TO FLEXIBLE WORK AREAS IN THE BUILDING. SOME OF THE FLOOR HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FLOOR INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO; OPEN TRAPS, WET FLOORS DUE TO PAINTING AND SPILLS, OBSTRUCTIONS INCLUDING TOOLS, POWER CORDS, AIR HOSE, MATERIALS, AND SCENERY.

Stay alert to changes in work conditions.

Clean up spills as they occur.

Do not leave traps unattended, install railings.

Clean up tools, materials, and obstructions when finished with a project or when leaving it for an extended period of time.

Block off entrances to wet painted floor areas.

Put away cords and hoses when the job is completed.

Do not block aisles, hallways, fire exits, doorways, fire doors, fire equipment or electrical panels.

Notify shop supervisor of any unsafe condition promptly.

HAND TOOLS, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

HAND TOOLS ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED AS SAFETY HAZARDS. BE CAREFUL. MANY TOOLS HAVE SHARP EDGES, BLADES, SPRINGS, ETC. THAT MAY CAUSE SEVERE INJURIES.

Use the proper tool for the job.

Maintain tools in good condition. Report damaged tools to your supervisor.

Store and carry tools properly. Put them away when you are done.

Be sure your hands are as free of dirt and grease as possible.

When using or carrying a sharp edged tool, point the sharp edge away from you. Do not carry sharp edged tools in your pockets.

Wear proper safety equipment.

LADDERS, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

THE USE OF LADDERS IN THE SHOP AND STAGE AREAS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE. FALLS FROM LADDERS CAN CAUSE INJURY TO ONE’S SELF JUST AS FALLING OBJECTS FROM A LADDER CAN CAUSE INJURY TO ONE’S SELF AS WELL AS OTHERS. SAFE LADDER PRACTICES ARE ESSENTIAL AT ALL TIMES.

Students are not required to climb ladders.

Check ladders for broken or damaged parts before use. Never use a damaged ladder. Report any damaged ladder to your supervisor and remove it from service.

Only one person on a ladder at a time.

Do not place a ladder in front of a door that opens onto the ladder unless the door is blocked open, locked from access, or guarded.

Do not place ladders on boxes to obtain extra height.

Always face the ladder when ascending or descending.

So not stand or work on the top two steps of a ladder.

Never leave anything on top of a ladder or on the steps of a ladder unattended.

Do not lean or overreach from a ladder.

Do not straddle the space between a ladder and another object.

Make sure the ladder is fully open and the spreader is locked.

Never reposition a ladder while you are on it.

Store ladders in their proper location after use.

Do not use a ladder on an uneven surface.

Do not use a ladder without someone else present in the area.

LIFTING, PUSHING AND PULLING, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

MANY INJURIES TO THE BACK COME FROM IMPROPER LIFTING, PUSHING, OR PULLING OF HEAVY OBJECTS.

When lifting objects, do not lift with your back. Squat down and use your leg muscles and keep your back straight.

If the object appears to be too heavy or awkward, ask for help.

Never slide objects on shelving above your head unless you can see the surface of the shelf.

When moving objects from one area to another, use a cart, basket, or hand truck. Do not carry heavy objects any great distance in your arms.

When pushing or pulling objects like rolling scenery units, always exert pressure gently. If the unit seems too heavy for you to move by yourself, ask for assistance.

LIFTS, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

THE GENIE PERSONNEL LIFT CAN BE DANGEROUS WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING ON ITS USE. EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED BEFORE OPERATING THIS SYSTEM AS DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AS WELL AS SELF AND OTHERS CAN OCCUR.

Students are not required to use the Genie Lift.

The unit must be used on a flat and level surface.

Both stabilizers must be properly extended and locked before entering the basket.

Do not exceed the maximum load rating of 300 pounds. This includes the operator and all equipment in the basket.

Do not operate the Genie Lift on an elevated platform, scaffold, truck bed, or extended platform.

Only one person is allowed in the basket.

Do not climb, stand, or sit on the basket railings.

Do not lean ladders against the lift. Never apply a side load force to the unit by pushing or pulling from the basket or by hanging heavy wires or cables over the side.

Do not move the Genie Lift when the basket is raised.

Do not operate near overhead electrical lines or obstructions.

Do not stand under the loaded basket.

Never attempt to use the lift without someone else present in the area.

After use, coil the power cable and put it in the basket. Return the lift to its storage area.

LIGHTING EQUIPMENT, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

WITH THE USE OF STAGE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT IN THE THEATRE THERE COMES THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND BURNS FROM COMING INTO CONTACT WITH HOT METAL AND GLASS. DO NOT USE OR HANDLE ANY LIGHTING EQUIPMENT WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING AND AUTHORIZATION.

The rigging of lighting equipment is to be done only under staff supervision.

Wear gloves when handling hot lighting equipment and changing lamps.

All electrical, ladder, lift and rigging rules apply while you are working with lighting equipment.

Replace unused gel, cable, lights, and accessories to proper storage areas when work is finished.

Clean up electrical equipment and accessories from stage and light room.

Sore equipment on proper carts and pipes in light room.

Report any damaged equipment to your supervisor, tag it and put it in the light room work bin.

Unplug lighting instruments before changing lamps.

Safety cables are required on all stage lighting equipment and accessories.

Use proper safety equipment.

LOW LIGHT LEVELS, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

LOW LIGHT LEVELS ARE PRESENT WHEN LIGHTING EQUIPMENT IS BEING FOCUSED, DURING REHEARSALS, AS WELL AS PERFORMANCES. EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED IN THESE CONDITIONS AS VISION IS GREATLY IMPAIRED. BLACKOUTS MAY OCCUR AT ANY TIME.

Use caution in low light level situations.

Sound off when stage lights are going to black.

Use a flashlight when necessary.

Stop all hazardous activity during low light levels.

If a blackout occurs and you can not see anything, stop where you are.

Provide running lights for major pathways whenever possible.

NOISE LEVELS, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

LOUD NOISE LEVELS ARE PRESENT IN BOTH THE SHOP AND ON STAGE. THESE NOISES COME FROM MACHINE TOOLS AS WELL AS THE THEATRE SOUND SYSTEM. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO LOUD AND CONTINUOUS LEVELS OF NOISE CAN SEVERELY DAMAGE OR IMPAIR ONE’S HEARING.

Wear ear protection when operating or in the vicinity of loud machinery and tools.

Wear ear protection when exposed to loud and prolonged sound from theatre audio systems.

Ear muffs and plugs are available in the scene shop.

OBSTRUCTIONS, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

MANY OBSTRUCTIONS ARE PRESENT IN THE SHOP AND THEATRE WORK AREAS. THESE HAZARDS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO OVERHEAD WIRES, CABLES AND SCENERY, FLEXIBLE WORK AREAS, TEMPORARY STORAGE OF SCENERY, MATERIALS AND SETTINGS AND VARIOUS FLOOR OBSTRUCTIONS AS STATED ABOVE. EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED IN ALL WORK AREAS.

Be aware of changes in working areas.

Use caution when moving objects in, around and out of the stage and shop areas.

Clean up and properly store all tools, materials and scenery when you are finished with a project.

Alert others of obstructions.

Do not block aisles, hallways, fire exits, doorways, fire doors, fire equipment or electrical panels.

Notify shop supervisor of any unsafe conditions promptly.

ORCHESTRA PIT, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

PROPER PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED TO ASSURE THE SAFETY OF ALL PERSONNEL PRESENT WHEN PIT COVER IS REMOVED.

OVERHEAD WORK AREAS, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

THERE ARE MANY OVERHEAD WORK AREAS IN THE SHOP AND VARIOUS DEPARTMENT THEATRES. THESE AREAS INCLUDE: LADDERS, LIFTS, PLATFORMS, GRIDS, AND CATWALKS. THERE IS ALWAYS A CHANCE THAT SOMETHING OR SOMEONE MAY FALL FROM AN OVERHEAD WORK AREA. BE CAUTIOUS WHEN WORKING OVERHEAD AS WELL AS BELOW.

Sound off that you are working overhead.

Hard hats are required below when overhead work is in progress.

Secure all tools and equipment when working overhead.

Stay inside catwalks and railings when working overhead.

Sound off if you drop something.

If you do not feel safe working at heights, inform your supervisor.

Do not drop objects from heights, lower them down with a rope.

Empty unsecured objects from your pockets before climbing to grid or catwalks.

Do not look up if someone sounds off. Your hard hat will not protect your face or teeth.

Use safety lines at all times when working in unprotected areas.

When changing weight at a loading gallery above the stage floor, the floor must be cleared to the proscenium arch before any weight is moved. Sound off when starting and when finished.

Do not leave unsecured tools or materials unattended in overhead work areas.

Sound off before moving any counterweight lines to inform personnel working above.

PAINTING HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

MOST PAINTS USED IN THE SCENE SHOP ARE NON-TOXIC, ACRYLIC OR LATEX WATER BASED PAINTS. HOWEVER, SPRAY PAINTS AND ENAMELS ARE SOMETIMES USED. THESE PAINTS CAN CREATE HEALTH AS WELL AS SAFETY HAZARDS. CAUTION SHOULD BE USED WHEN SPRAYING ANY TYPE OF PAINT.

A particle mask and goggles are required when spraying acrylic and latex paints for all present.

All spray paint (cans) should be used under the exhaust hood or outdoors.

Goggles should be worn when painting overhead or using spray cans.

Clean up paint spills immediately.

Clean up buckets, brushed, and rollers when finished painting.

Block access to wet painted floor area.

Check paint frame before raising or lowering for obstructions or loose objects.

Sound off before moving paint frame.

All paint containers shall be marked with a label identifying the type of paint it contains.

Painting activities that require a respirator area to be performed only by qualified employees who have been trained, tested, fitted, and certified to use a respirator by the department of environmental health and safety at Louisiana Tech.

PNEUMATIC TOOLS, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

PNEUMATIC TOOLS RUN FROM COMPRESSED AIR. SAFE USE AND THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF THESE TOOLS IS REQUIRED BEFORE USE. OUR PNEUMATIC TOOLS CONSIST OF STAPLE GUNS, AIR NOZZLES AND SPRAYERS.

Eye protection is required when using any pneumatic tool or nozzle.

Never point a pneumatic tool towards yourself or another person.

Never carry a pneumatic tool by the hose.

Disconnect the tools when not in use or while loading or unloading staples or paint.

Inspect the tool and hose before use.

Report any damaged tool to your supervisor and remove it from service.

Do not disable the safety mechanism on any pneumatic staple gun.

Compressed air shall not exceed 100 psi for air guns.

Compressed air shall not exceed 30 psi for using a constricting nozzle.

Compressed air shall not exceed 10 psi for cleaning and blowing off clothing.

POWER TOOLS, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

POWER TOOLS INCLUDE LARGE PERMANENT MACHINE TOOLS AS WELL AS PORTABLE HAND OPERATED BLADES AND CUTTERS. EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED WHEN OPERATING AND MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO THESE TOOLS. YOU MUST HAVE SAFETY TRAINING FOR A POWER TOOL BEFORE USING IT.

Students are not required to operate power tools.

Never carry a portable power tool by the cord.

Never yank the cord from an outlet. Disconnect it by pulling on the plug.

Keep cords away from heat, oil, water and sharp edges.

Keep cords, hands, and clothing away from moving parts of the tool (ie. blades, bits, and cutters).

Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing and before changing bits, blades and cutters.

To avoid accidental starting, do not hold finger on the switch while carrying a plugged in tool.

Inspect tools and cords for damage and defects before each use.

Do not use a damaged tool. Turn it in to your supervisor. Do not repair it yourself.

Do not remove, alter or disable any guard or safety device on any power tool.

Wear goggles when using any power tool.

Wear ear protection when using loud power tools.

Wear dust protection when using power tools that produce fine particulate matter.

All operators of power tools must be trained in proper use and safety of the tool prior to operating it. The shop staff will keep a list of people authorized to use power tools.

Use the power exhaust system when operating the radial arm saw or table saw.

Allow the tool to reach full speed before use. Stay with it until it stops. Do not leave a running machine.

Do not restart power tools until they have come to a complete stop.

Inspect materials before use. Remove screws, mails, staples or other material before cutting into used woods.

Make any necessary adjustments to power tools while the power is turned off.

All special setups must be checked by your supervisor before power is turned on.

Stand to the side of the power tool when turning it on. Do not stand directly in line with the saw blade or other moving devices.

Observe safety space. Only the operator is permitted within the working area around a machine.

Keep the power tool and related work area clean.

repairs to shop power tools are only to be made by qualified shop staff.

STYROFOAM, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

STYROFOAM CAN CREATE HAZARDOUS PARTICLES WHEN IT IS CUT AND SHAPED WITH POWER TOOLS. IT CAN ALSO EMIT FUMES WHEN CUT WITH A HOT KNIFE. STRICT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE USED WHEN CUTTING OR WORKING WITH STYROFOAM.

Particle masks and goggles should be used when cutting and shaping styrofoam with power tools, hand tools or a hot knife.

Hot knife cutting should be done in a well ventilated area or under the exhaust hood.

No chemicals should be applied to any kind of foam without a respirator.

Smoking is prohibited when working with foam.

Activities that require a respirator are to be performed only by qualified employees who have been trained, tested, fitted, and certified to use a respirator by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at Louisiana Tech.

RIGGING, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

RIGGING AND RUNNING SCENERY FOR STAGE USE CAN BE A DANGEROUS TASK IF NOT TRAINED IN SAFE OPERATION OF THE RIGGING SYSTEM. ALL PERSONS USING OR CONDUCTING OTHER ACTIVITIES AROUND OR NEAR ANY OF THE STAGE RIGGING SYSTEMS MUST FIRST BE TRAINED IN SAFE USE AND OPERATION. THERE ARE MANY HAZARDS THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND DAMAGE. WEIGHTS ARE LOADED ABOVE, SCENERY IS CONSTANTLY MOVING IN OR OUT AND OBSTRUCTIONS AND WEIGHT LIMITS ARE ALWAYS PRESENT.

Do not the rigging system without proper training.

Do not operate the rigging system without a spotter present.

Be sure that load is properly balanced.

Do not leave a line set while it is unlocked.

The attachment of scenery to batten shall be done under the supervision of an authorized member of the shop staff.

Changing weights shall be done under the supervision of an authorized member of the shop staff.

When changing weights at a loading gallery above the stage floor, the floor must be cleared to the proscenium arch before any weight is moved. Sound off when starting and when finished.

When loading a batten, always load the batten first, the arbor second.

Sound off when moving a line set in or out.

Do not move a line set without warning persons working on the grid.

If a line set runs away and is too heavy to safely stop, warn all present and take cover.

The lock rail should be labeled with what is on each line set and what line set is not to move.

Test all running lines before each show.

In a performance situation, only move lines on cue. Moving a line before a cue could cause severe injury or damage to persons and property on stage.

Observe all spike marks.

Use spike tape for spike marks.

If you are unsure about any aspect of the rigging system, ask your supervisor.

WELDING, HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES:

WELDING IS ONLY TO BE DONE BY TRAINED STAFF MEMBERS. ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES. PLEASE FOLLOW YOUR SUPERVISOR’S INSTRUCTIONS AT ALL TIMES. THERE IS A RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, BURNS, TOXIC FUMES AND CUTS. CONTACT LENSES MAY NOT BE WORN WHEN ARC WELDING IS IN PROGRESS.

Weld in or near a exhaust hood.

Do not weld materials with toxic components in the them.

Wear the proper eye protection when welding, brazing, soldering or chipping.

Arc welding produced ultra violet light. Make sure all exposed skin is covered and the proper eye protection is worn.

Wear gloves when handling hot metals and during welding procedures.

Do not weld in a wet environment.

Clean up spills promptly.

Do not weld when flammable chemicals are in use.

Watch for sparks which may ignite something in the area.

Remain in area for an hour after welding and cutting operations have ceased to watch fro smoke or flame from an ignited source.

Do not expose yourself nor anyone else wearing contact lenses to the welding arc.

Welding activities that require a respirator are to be performed only by qualified employees who have been trained, tested, fitted, and certified to use a respirator by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at Louisiana Tech.

THIS LIST OF HAZARDS AND SAFE WORKING PRACTICES IS A PART OF THE THEATRE DEPARTMENT’S INJURY AND ILLNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM (IIPP), AS REQUIRED BY LAW. COMPLETE COPIES OF THIS PROGRAM ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL EMPLOYEES AND ARE ON FILE IN THE COORDINATOR OF THEATRE’S OFFICE(ROOM 303) AND THE PRODUCTION MANAGER’S OFFICE (ROOM 104).

THIS LIST IS BY NO MEANS THE LIMIT TO WHICH ONE SHOULD BE CAREFUL. THINK SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT, ASK. REPORT ANY HAZARDOUS INCIDENT OR EQUIPMENT TO YOUR SUPERVISOR. YOUR SAFETY IS OUR MAIN CONCERN!